Is the Mini 5 Pro a sub-250g drone?

[mavic3usa]

Unofficial word from someone at the FAA is:

It's illegal to fly a drone over 250g and over without registering and broadcasting but the FAA won't be chasing violators if they're over a few grams unless it contributes to an incident report.

If there is an incident report and the FAA finds the recreational pilot is flying an unregistered drone over 250g, this will trigger all kinds of violations since you won't qualify for the recreational exception and you will be subject to part 107. So right away, you will be flying without a part 107 certification, another violation would be flying without a proper registration, flying without transmitting RID, etc etc.

I understand the sarcasm but that's been my point all along, should you find yourself as part of [insert incident here], you could be screwed. It's like driving a car with all kinds of illegal parts and modifications under the hood, you're perfectly fine until you get pulled over. Although unlikely the FAA will pull you over, way more likely someone else gets you involved.

Rather than having the FAA says it's illegal to fly a drone over 250g without registration and broadcasting, I'd rather for them to include the +/- similar to what the EU is saying and not what I'm hearing the UK is planning.

 

[Bad Santa]

If there is an incident report and the FAA finds the recreational pilot is flying an unregistered drone over 250g, this will trigger all kinds of violations since you won't qualify for the recreational exception and you will be subject to part 107. So right away, you will be flying without a part 107 certification, another violation would be flying without a proper registration, flying without transmitting RID, etc etc.

There's a lot of absolutes in your post I can assure you that it's not an absolute.
Part 107 isn't about weight. It's about commercial operation.

 

[mavic3usa]

There's a lot of absolutes in your post I can assure you that it's not an absolute.
Part 107 isn't about weight. It's about commercial operation.

I get that but unfortunately that's not how it works. EVERYBODY needs to have a part 107 to fly a drone in the US NAS and there are very few exceptions where you don't at a part 107 and one of them is if you qualify for the recreational exception. Follow *all* the rules for recreational flight and you get the "benefit." Break any *one* of them, you no longer qualify which means....you need a part 107 certificate. It's that simple. If you don't properly register your drone which is heavier than 250g then you are in violation of part 107 because you don't have a certificate to fly (regardless what you do when you fly that drone). I don't like it either but that's the way it is.

An example would be if the recreational pilot fly his drone over an NFL game in progress, in addition to being charged with violating the TFR, other charges could include operating a drone without the proper registration or operating the drone without a certificate. When you bust the TFR, you are no longer a "recreational"pilot and all part 107 rules (as well as other federal regulations) apply to you.

This is my opinion.

 

[Bad Santa]

I get that but unfortunately that's not how it works. EVERYBODY needs to have a part 107 to fly a drone in the US NAS and there are very few exceptions where you don't at a part 107 and one of them is if you qualify for the recreational exception. Follow *all* the rules for recreational flight and you get the "benefit." Break any *one* of them, you no longer qualify which means....you need a part 107 certificate. It's that simple. If you don't properly register your drone which is heavier than 250g then you are in violation of part 107 because you don't have a certificate to fly (regardless what you do when you fly that drone). I don't like it either but that's the way it is.

An example would be if the recreational pilot fly his drone over an NFL game in progress, in addition to being charged with violating the TFR, other charges could include operating a drone without the proper registration or operating the drone without a certificate. When you bust the TFR, you are no longer a "recreational"pilot and all part 107 rules (as well as other federal regulations) apply to you.

This is my opinion.

Yes, I accept that its your OPINION and not facts.

 

[GadgetGuy]

There's a lot of absolutes in your post I can assure you that it's not an absolute.
Part 107 isn't about weight. It's about commercial operation.

Actually the commercial aspect is now not the determinant factor for needing a 107. It's now anything that isn't strictly for fun (and also strictly flown under the guidelines of an organization), be it commercial or otherwise.

Lots of recreational flyers now technically fall under needing a 107, if they have ever varied from flying for fun, or have violated any of the rules of the organization under whose rules they were flying.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Yes, I accept that its your OPINION and not facts.

His opinion is also supported by the facts, especially those cited in post #83 and #85.

 

[mavic3usa]

No Weight Tolerance For DJI Mini 5 Pro In United States As Per FAA Drone Regulations

The FAA provides no manufacturing tolerance for the 250-gram weight threshold for drones such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro, unlike EASA in Europe.

dronexl.co

 

[GadgetGuy]

No Weight Tolerance For DJI Mini 5 Pro In United States As Per FAA Drone Regulations

The FAA provides no manufacturing tolerance for the 250-gram weight threshold for drones such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro, unlike EASA in Europe.

dronexl.co

I'm taking additional preorders for digital scales that calibrate to 0 when a 4g weight is placed upon them. First run of 100 already sold out! LOL!

 

[MS Coast]

EASA confirms 3% tolerance on 250-gram weight limit in the regulations. You can bet this was understood and confirmed by DJI long before the Mini 5 Pro went into production.

Primary source in included in the article.

EASA Confirms DJI Mini 5 Pro Retains C0 Status Despite 252g Weight

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency officially confirmed that the DJI Mini 5 Pro maintains its C0 classification, even many units weigh 252-253 grams.

dronexl.co

 

[mavic3usa]

EASA confirms 3% tolerance on 250-gram weight limit in the regulations. You can bet this was understood and confirmed by DJI long before the Mini 5 Pro went into production.

Primary source in included in the article.

Posted yesterday with post #78, good news for the EU pilots where they use labels and have the sense to have flexibility where it counts. I doubt DJI had anything to do with it else they would have continued to label the Mini 5 Pro the same way they labeled the Mini 4 Pro with the sub-250g label that is now omitted. If the Mini 5 Pro with standard battery was labeled sub-250g then we would have less problems here in the US.

DJI included two labels in the box, C0 and C1, so the pilot can use the appropriate one. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of options here in the US and in Canada and the UK. For DJI to do this simply for the EU would be short-sighted and they deserve no "praise" for it since it was EASA that came out with this ruling to fix DJI's problem, not DJI.

My opinions.

Did you happen to see the other Dronexl articles like this one?

NO WEIGHT TOLERANCE FOR DJI MINI 5 PRO IN UNITED STATES AS PER FAA DRONE REGULATIONS​

No Weight Tolerance For DJI Mini 5 Pro In United States As Per FAA Drone Regulations

The FAA provides no manufacturing tolerance for the 250-gram weight threshold for drones such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro, unlike EASA in Europe.

dronexl.co

 

[Ron from BC]

Posted yesterday with post #78, good news for the EU pilots where they use labels and have the sense to have flexibility where it counts. I doubt DJI had anything to do with it else they would have continued to label the Mini 5 Pro the same way they labeled the Mini 4 Pro with the sub-250g label that is now omitted. If the Mini 5 Pro with standard battery was labeled sub-250g then we would have less problems here in the US.

DJI included two labels in the box, C0 and C1, so the pilot can use the appropriate one. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of options here in the US and in Canada and the UK. For DJI to do this simply for the EU would be short-sighted and they deserve no "praise" for it since it was EASA that came out with this ruling to fix DJI's problem, not DJI.

My opinions.

Did you happen to see the other Dronexl articles like this one?

NO WEIGHT TOLERANCE FOR DJI MINI 5 PRO IN UNITED STATES AS PER FAA DRONE REGULATIONS​

No Weight Tolerance For DJI Mini 5 Pro In United States As Per FAA Drone Regulations

The FAA provides no manufacturing tolerance for the 250-gram weight threshold for drones such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro, unlike EASA in Europe.

dronexl.co

So, M5P with large batteries >249g you should have TRUST certificate, FAA registration and the number displayed on the M5P? As I understand it if the M5P has the larger battery installed it will broadcast RID when in flight...?

 

[mavic3usa]

So, M5P with large batteries >249g you should have TRUST certificate, FAA registration and the number displayed on the M5P? As I understand it if the M5P has the larger battery installed it will broadcast RID when in flight...?

This is correct for the US recreational drone pilot.

 

[davedrone 178]

Looking to get a M5P but not sure where to buy one from an Ebay seller. Any thoughts?
And I just tested my M4P with and WITHOUT the larger battery and the "Drone scanner" APP
detected both. Not sure why it picked up on the 249 battery??

 

[mavic3usa]

That's a good thing.

Maybe it's like the M4P rumors that once you turn it ON with the extended battery, it stays ON or it stays on for awhile before it cycles OFF.

I've heard it both ways.

You can find the best eBay seller in this thread:

O

Entry fees charged by U.S. customs Korea Mavic 4 Pro?

Jul 31, 2025

I've seen praise here for KWave,a Korean dealer selling Mavic 4 pro units.Will I be charged customs fees upon entry into USA?I understand there is no warranty service available and no care refresh,correct?

• offtheback
• Replies: 169
• Forum: Mavic 4 Pro

 

[GadgetGuy]

Posted yesterday with post #78, good news for the EU pilots where they use labels and have the sense to have flexibility where it counts. I doubt DJI had anything to do with it else they would have continued to label the Mini 5 Pro the same way they labeled the Mini 4 Pro with the sub-250g label that is now omitted. If the Mini 5 Pro with standard battery was labeled sub-250g then we would have less problems here in the US.

DJI included two labels in the box, C0 and C1, so the pilot can use the appropriate one. Unfortunately we don't have those kinds of options here in the US and in Canada and the UK. For DJI to do this simply for the EU would be short-sighted and they deserve no "praise" for it since it was EASA that came out with this ruling to fix DJI's problem, not DJI.

My opinions.

Did you happen to see the other Dronexl articles like this one?

NO WEIGHT TOLERANCE FOR DJI MINI 5 PRO IN UNITED STATES AS PER FAA DRONE REGULATIONS​

No Weight Tolerance For DJI Mini 5 Pro In United States As Per FAA Drone Regulations

The FAA provides no manufacturing tolerance for the 250-gram weight threshold for drones such as the DJI Mini 5 Pro, unlike EASA in Europe.

dronexl.co

Nothing a little slight of hand upon landing can't resolve. First, no RID while flying with the M5P regular battery, according to DJI.

Solution is to just have a 249g labeled Mini 4 Pro battery in your hand at the ready, as you eject, palm, and hide the no label Regular Mini 5 Pro battery upon landing. "See, 249g!"

If you are approached before or after, just keep the 249g labeled battery in the drone. Just swap out for flying, to avoid RID broadcasting.

 

[YorksPhotos]

Nothing a little slight of hand upon landing can't resolve. First, no RID while flying with the M5P regular battery, according to DJI.

Solution is to just have a 249g labeled Mini 4 Pro battery in your hand at the ready, as you eject, palm, and hide the no label Regular M5P battery upon landing. "See, 249g!"

If you are approached before or after, just keep the 249g labeled battery in the drone. Just swap out for flying, to avoid RID broadcasting.

View attachment 185496

Looks good. Do you have a source for the label?

 

[GadgetGuy]

Looks good. Do you have a source for the label?

No special label. That's the Mini 5 Pro, with its stock C0 label, with a Mini 4 Pro Regular battery inserted, which has the 249g on the battery. Note the mismatched battery color. If you actually fly with it, it will broadcast RID. However, for flight, just swap it out with the Regular Mini 5 Pro battery. No RID.

 

[YorksPhotos]

No special label. That's the Mini 5 Pro, with its stock C0 label, with a Mini 4 Pro Regular battery inserted, which has the 249g on the battery. Note the mismatched battery color. If you actually fly with it, it will broadcast RID. However, for flight, just swap it out with the Regular Mini 5 Pro battery. No RID.

Thanks didnt see the 4 in your post.
Also I need a little help. I am packing a M5P standard that I got in error. I had ordered a plus and didn't realize it until I had it all unpacked. I am trying to pack it like I received it for the return. I can't remember if all 3 batteries were in the charger or was one in the M5P? Thanks

 

[mavic3usa]

Thanks didnt see the 4 in your post.
Also I need a little help. I am packing a M5P standard that I got in error. I had ordered a plus and didn't realize it until I had it all unpacked. I am trying to pack it like I received it for the return. I can't remember if all 3 batteries were in the charger or was one in the M5P? Thanks

There are a couple sellers of M5P Plus batteries on eBay tariff free for around $165. You could probably buy 3 and then sell the 3 standard batteries on Ebay @ $100 - $150 instead of shipping the entire drone kit back. I'm sure there are folks who bought the single battery kit who could use an extra battery.

 

[YorksPhotos]

There are a couple sellers of M5P Plus batteries on eBay tariff free for around $165. You could probably buy 3 and then sell the 3 standard batteries on Ebay @ $100 - $150 instead of shipping the entire drone kit back. I'm sure there are folks who bought the single battery kit who could use an extra battery.

I would have done that but they only offered a $100 refund to keep the standard. At that time the other vendor had that 15% discount for the plus. Net gain back in my account is $265 plus tax. So I bought a standard battery, the one you posted, for when I want to fly area 51 stealth mode.